Unpaid carers highlight need for support during Downing Street visit
The Department of Health & Social Care invited care workers and unpaid carers to a reception at Number 10 Downing Street today in honour of their work and to celebrate the role of social care.
The reception heard from the Minister for Care, Helen Whately, and Deborah Sturdy, the Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care. They thanked both unpaid carers and care workers for the support they provide to families, local communities and the country as a whole.
Carers Trust, alongside unpaid carers Karen and Lavinia, attended the event. Both carers have taken an active interest in improving the lives of other unpaid carers by taking part in the Carers Trust Lived Experience Panel for the Adult Carer Survey.
Karen and Lavinia spoke to the Minister about the challenges they have faced. Like many other unpaid carers, these challenges include getting back into work after leaving the workforce to provide care. Another challenge faced by many unpaid carers is finding long term employment whilst juggling caring and parenting responsibilities.
Unpaid carer Karen reflected on the day saying:
"It was excellent to be invited to the reception at Number 10. It's important for the Minister to hear experiences like mine as an unpaid carer. Carers contribute an extraordinary amount, and the Government must take action for carers to get the support they need".
Unpaid carer Lavinia spoke about the reception:
"I really enjoyed the event at Number 10. I had the chance to speak about my experiences as a carer and it was good to feel listened to. We carers provide care day in, day out so it's really important for us to get support for ourselves."